Scientists map brain stimulation spots to ease Parkinson's symptoms
NCT ID NCT05557864
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study looks at how the exact placement of deep brain stimulation (DBS) electrodes in the brain affects movement problems in people with Parkinson's disease. Researchers will study 24 participants who already have DBS implants to see which stimulation locations improve symptoms and which cause side effects. The goal is to use this information to personalize DBS settings for each patient in the future.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Deep brain stimulation device
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this research could help doctors tailor deep brain stimulation to each patient's needs, potentially improving motor symptoms that don't respond well to medication.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage observational study (24 participants) that aims to gather knowledge, not test a new treatment. Results may not apply to all Parkinson's patients.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 24 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Aug 2016
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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21 to 89 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * diagnosis of idiopathic PD * have undergone neurosurgery to implant deep brain stimulators in the globus pallidus (GP DBS) or subthalamic nucleus (STN) * Existing 7T brain imagery Exclusion Criteria: * history of musculoskeletal disorders that significantly affect movement of the upper or lower limbs * other significant neurological disorder * history of dementia or cognitive impairment as found with UBACC (or MacCAT-CR) * post-operative complications or adverse effects
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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University Of Minnesota
RECRUITINGMinneapolis, Minnesota, 55455, United States
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